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2013-05-16 13:26:55 (3 comments, 4 reshares, 12 +1s)

NEW TOTALS ARE AT 325,  not 315!  This time last week it was 294. 
No words needed... :-(

For #ThreatenedThursday  curated by +Sumit Sen +Anette Mossbacher +Diego Cattaneo and me. 

2013-05-15 20:33:15 (13 comments, 0 reshares, 10 +1s)

WTF happened to G+?! Just when I was used to the old format, they throw another new one at us?! Good grief!! 

2013-05-09 20:40:13 (6 comments, 3 reshares, 20 +1s)

RHINO HORN IS NOT MEDICINE
Just came home to heartbreaking news. 294 rhinos killed so far this year...in only 130 days. More devastating news...even though they were dehorned, two pregnant white rhino cows were poached in the Gravelotte area of South Africa. The poachers are stopping at nothing to kill these gentle giants.  Proof again that dehorning and legalizing the sale of rhino horn is not the answer!

For #ThreatenedThursday  curated by +Sumit Sen +Anette Mossbacher +Diego Cattaneo and myself. 

2013-05-08 14:16:12 (17 comments, 2 reshares, 61 +1s)

Gosh, sis, I hope I have tusks just like yours when I'm your age.

Did you know?...  The tusks present at birth are only milk teeth which fall out after around one year of age (approximately 5 cm long). The permanent tusks begin to protrude beyond the lips of an elephant at around 2-3 years of age, and will continue to grow  throughout its life. The growth rate of tusks is at approximately 15-18 centimeters (6-7 inches) per year.
About one quarter of the tusk is hidden within the socket. Thus, the typical question of why people can not just cut off the elephant's tusks to ward off poachers is answered. There is still a large amount of ivory that is attached inside the head and attached to the skull.

For #ElephantWednesday  curated by +Matthias Haeussler  +Diego Cattaneo and +Louisa Catharine Forsyth 
#WildlifeWednesday  by +Mike Spinak and +MorkelErasmus... more »

2013-05-03 17:48:00 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 16 +1s)

Honored to have my ele photo make it into +Jarek Klimek's 7 TOP Google+ Photographs for May 1st. Always an unexpected and pleasant surprise! Congrats to the other photogs and their excellent work.  
http://www.photoextract.com/plus-extract/2013/5/1

2013-05-02 23:49:08 (19 comments, 6 reshares, 74 +1s)

Elephants are living treasures. Nature's gardeners. Nature's great teachers. Tragically some people don't give a damn. They prefer the dead treasure to the living one. The ivory. We must challenge this so-called 'trade' with all our might and shame on those who would condone it. ~ Virginia McKenna OBE Founder & Trustee: Born Free Foundation

"Post mud bath stroll"

For #ThreatenedThursday  curated by +Sumit Sen +Anette Mossbacher +Diego Cattaneo and myself
#ElephantWednesday  by +Diego Cattaneo +Matthias Haeussler and +Louisa Catharine Forsyth 
#WildlifeWednesday
#AfricanTuesday
#WholeWildlifeWeek +Whole Wildlife Week 
#Elephantidae  

2013-05-01 11:16:26 (14 comments, 1 reshares, 61 +1s)

"Heading for Cover"
Masai Mara, Kenya

Did you know?... When a leopard stalks prey, it keeps a low profile and slinks through the grass or bush until it is close enough to launch an attack. When not hunting, it can move through herds of antelopes without unduly disturbing them by flipping its tail over its back to reveal the white underside, a sign that it is not seeking prey.
As a mother leopard leads her cubs through thick undergrowth, she holds her tail upright, high in the air. The leopard cubs can keep track of their mother by watching the white tip of her tail, even in tall grassland during the night time.

For #WildlifeWednesday  curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus 
##WholeWildlifeWeek by +Anette Mossbacher +Dick Whitlock +Diego Cattaneo and myself
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildKenya  by +Guy Dekelver 
#Catsallovertheworld by+Robert ... more »

2013-04-30 11:29:11 (26 comments, 4 reshares, 63 +1s)

Wilderness gave us knowledge. Wilderness made us human. We came from here. Perhaps that is why so many of us feel a strong bond to this land called Serengeti; it is the land of our youth. ~ +Boyd Norton  Serengeti: The Eternal Beginning

For #AfricanTuesday, Open theme curated by +Morkel Erasmus, +Dick Whitlock and +Grobler du Preez 
#WholeWildlifeWeek +Whole Wildlife Week  by +Anette Mossbacher +Dick Whitlock +Diego Cattaneo and myself
#WildlifeWednesday  
#ThreatenedThursday
#WildKenya  by +Guy Dekelver 
#Catsallovertheworld by +Robert SKREINER 
#Simba

2013-04-29 21:56:55 (3 comments, 2 reshares, 11 +1s)

Hey Gang...
Because of the popularity of the G+ daily theme Whole Wildlife Week  we have started a new page dedicated to the same! Be sure to add us to your circles! So now when you post your photos and hashtag them with #WholeWildlifeWeek we'd like you to also add them to +Whole Wildlife Week as well. 
Many of you know already know who the curators are: +Sandy Schepis +Dick Whitlock +Anette Mossbacher and +Diego Cattaneo!  
Looking forward to seeing all your great wildlife pics on G+ and on our page. Cheers! 

2013-04-29 10:41:36 (29 comments, 11 reshares, 75 +1s)

"Little bitty pretty one"
Virungas National Park, Rwanda

As a female mountain gorilla was gently caressing her young infant, I caught the precious little one peeking out curiously at our group of "humans".

For #MonkeyMonday  curated by +Alex Lapidus and myself.
#WholeWildlifeWeek
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildlifeWednesday  
#ThreatenedThursday
 

2013-04-25 14:11:57 (9 comments, 5 reshares, 13 +1s)

My heart breaks a little more every time I see these numbers increase. Day 115 of this year and we've already lost 250 rhinos... in South Africa alone. That's 2.17 rhinos killed each day. We are losing this war. :-( :-(

For #ThreatenedThursday curated by +Anette Mossbacher +Sumit Sen +Diego Cattaneo and me. 

2013-04-25 01:03:26 (19 comments, 8 reshares, 57 +1s)

"Walking a Thin Line"

At the CITES conference last month, eight principal nations were identified as complicit in the ivory trade: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and China. Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda today account for nearly 70 percent of the illegal ivory flowing out of Africa.

Poaching and ivory trafficking have skyrocketed in the post-China ivory sale years. The Chinese government recently built the world’s largest ivory carving factory and is funding the training of a new generation of ivory carvers.

A survey of several hundred middle class people in nine cities in China revealed that 80 percent of respondents own ivory (averaging 2.7 pieces), and 84 percent intend to acquire more.

The ivory crisis is unparalleled. We have fewer elephants than ever before and continue to lose them at an alarming rate.  Thereis ... more »

2013-04-24 20:03:23 (2 comments, 1 reshares, 28 +1s)

Mother and goober at Amboseli

2013-05-01 12:51:32 (25 comments, 6 reshares, 51 +1s)

"Moving Day"
Masai Mara, Kenya
The adults of this hyena clan were "trying" to move their cubs to a different den. Every time they'd move one cub and go back for another, the cub in the new den would run back "home" and they'd have to start all over. 

For #WildlifeWednesday  curated by +Morkel Erasmus and +Mike Spinak 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildKenya by +Guy Dekelver 
#MasaiMara  
#Africa

2013-04-23 17:24:14 (15 comments, 6 reshares, 67 +1s)

I believe in God, only I spell it Nature.
~ Frank Lloyd Wright

Not the best shot but an itty-bitty Malachite Kingfisher
Kwando Lagoon, Botswana

Another one for #AfricanTuesday , Tiny Africa curated by +Dick Whitlock +Morkel Erasmus and +Grobler du Preez 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#WildlifeWednesday  
#Birds4all  
#Birdloversworldwide  

2013-04-23 12:47:45 (19 comments, 3 reshares, 48 +1s)

Like delicate lace,
So the threads intertwine,
Oh, gossamer web
Of wond'rous design!
Such beauty and grace
Wild nature produces...
Ughh, look at the spider
Suck out that bug's juices!” 
~ Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes: Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat

Ugh is right! Took this in Botswana a few years ago. Quickly snapped off a couple of pics and didn't care if they were in focus or not. Thought this thing was going to come after us. My guides were cracking up at my reaction. Spiders are NOT high on my list of favorites. Yucky, phooey, ewwwwy! ;-) 

Here ya go, +Morkel Erasmus, +Grobler du Preez and +Dick Whitlock. My contribution to #AfricanTuesday Tiny Africa.
#SpiderSunday  
#macro4all  
#WholeWildlifeWeek (if spiders count) 

2013-05-01 12:52:35 (12 comments, 5 reshares, 44 +1s)

Our task must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty. ~  Albert Einstein

"Buffalo soldier"
Masai Mara Kenya

For  #MonochromeMonday (+Monochrome Monday) Curated by +Hans Berendsen , +Jerry Johnson , +Steve Barge, +Dominique Hilbert , +David Orr and +Martin Heller 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildlifeWednesday  
#WildKenya by +Guy Dekelver

2013-04-18 22:02:12 (24 comments, 4 reshares, 60 +1s)

"The King of Camouflage"
Savute, Botswana

The lion population of Africa has plummeted by more than 90%. Only 15,000 to 20,000 remain in the wild with current numbers on the decrease due to hunting, poaching, loss of habitat and human-wildlife conflict. 

Attached is a link to a recent article where lions are now being bred in South Africa only to be sold for body parts similar to the fate of tigers. It is a lucrative "business" for those involved. Why are countries across the world destroying this magnificent species? When will this end? 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/apr/16/south-africa-lion-bones-trade

For #ThreatenedThursday  curated by +Sumit Sen +Anette Mossbacher  +Diego Cattaneo and myself.
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#catsallovertheworld  by +Robert SKREINER 
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildlifeW... more »

2013-04-17 13:13:44 (22 comments, 2 reshares, 70 +1s)

You know, sometimes the world seems like a pretty mean place. 
That's why animals are so soft and huggy.  ~ Bill Watterson

Dwarf Mongoose
Botswana

The Dwarf Mongoose is the smallest African mongoose. They have a body length between 18 and 28 cms (7 - 11 inches) and a tail length between 14 and 19 cms (5.5 - 7.5 inches) and they weigh between 200 and 350 g (7 - 13 oz). They feed upon insects, snakes, lizards, birds, rodents fruit and eggs.

They are found in the grasslands, woodlands, brush lands and scrub of east and southern Africa and are common in areas that have many termite mounds.

They have a small home range that they mark with secretions from their anal and cheek glands. Within this range they will have many dens that they can run to for safety. (See hole in log.)

They live in groups of 2 - 20 individuals and they consist of ado... more »

2013-04-16 17:33:32 (23 comments, 6 reshares, 50 +1s)

All I know is that every time I go to Africa, I am shaken to my core. ~  Stephen Lewis 
 
A young woman from the Hamer tribe.
Omo River Valley, Ethiopia

The Hamer are a semi-nomadic, pastoral people, numbering about 42,000. They inhabit the territory east of the Omo River and have villages in Turmi and Dimeka. Honey collection is their major activity and their cattle is the meaning of their life. They will stay for a few months wherever there is enough grass for grazing, putting up their round huts. When the grass is finished, they will move on to new pasture grounds. This is the way they have been living for generations.

For #AfricanTuesday curated by +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock and +Grobler du Preez 
#PortraitTuesday  
#Ethiopia  
#NikonShooters  

2013-04-15 18:09:02 (21 comments, 3 reshares, 61 +1s)

That "Geico gecko" ain't got nuthin' on me! 
Agama lizard
Chyulu Hills, Kenya

Agama lizards are sometimes called "rainbow" lizards because of the colorful displays put on by the dominant males. While most agamas are green and brown, dominant males show off by rapidly turning their bodies blue and their heads bright red or yellow. Most agamas live in small groups with the dominant male ruling over several females and sub-males. While sunning themselves each morning, the dominant male will claim the most elevated spot, with subordinates in lower areas. Agamas hunt by vision and prefer to wait for an insect to come by. Their sticky tongues help them hold onto prey.

For #ReptileMonday  curated by +Will Pirnasch 
#NatureMonday  by +Rolf Hicker and +Jen Baptist
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildlifeWednesday  
more »

2013-04-12 13:32:36 (22 comments, 2 reshares, 60 +1s)

There is nothing in which the birds differ more from man than the way in which they can build and yet leave a landscape as it was before. ~Robert Lynd

Lilac-breasted Roller
Botswana

#BirdsforAll by +Ricky L Jones and +Walter Soestbergen 
#Birdloversworldwide by +Robert SKREINER 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#nikonshooters  

2013-04-11 17:45:45 (7 comments, 5 reshares, 11 +1s)

Horrible, horrible news, on the rhino front!  Updated totals of 227 for South Africa for the year. 163 of them killed in Kruger Park alone. At a loss for words. :-(

For #ThreatenedThursday curated by +Anette Mossbacher +Sumit Sen +Diego Cattaneo and myself. 

2013-04-11 11:53:56 (22 comments, 4 reshares, 71 +1s)

I feel like I'm nothing without wildlife. They are the stars. I feel awkward without them. ~ Bindi Irwin 

Cheetah atop a termite mound looking for food.
Masai Mara, Kenya
Cheetahs, the fastest land animal alive, are known for sprinting 0-65 mph in less than 4 seconds to chase down its prey. If unsuccessful, it can take a cheetah up to 30 minutes to regain its strength to try again. 

For #ThreatenedThursday curated by +Sumit Sen +Anette Mossbacher +Diego Cattaneo and myself
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildlifeWednesday  
#Bigcatsallovertheworld  by +Robert SKREINER 
#Caturday  
#Wildkenya  by +Guy Dekelver 

2013-04-10 13:20:57 (23 comments, 2 reshares, 63 +1s)

How beautifully everything is arranged by Nature; as soon as a child enters the world, it finds a mother ready to take care of it.  ~Jules Michelet

As I've previously mentioned, due to the surge in poaching of these gentle giants, I will no longer disclose where my ele photos were taken. Suffice it to say it was somewhere in the wilds of Africa, where I hope they are still safe. 

For #ElephantWednesday  curated by +Matthias Haeussler , +Diego Cattaneo and +Louisa Catharine Forsyth 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#WildlifeWednesday  by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus 
#nikonshooters  

2013-04-10 12:48:13 (11 comments, 3 reshares, 33 +1s)

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. ~John Muir

A herd of orxyes walking single-file across the vast plains of the Kalahari, Botswana

For #WildlifeWednesday  curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#AfricanTuesday  


2013-04-09 17:17:00 (25 comments, 1 reshares, 53 +1s)

Beauty in motion. The elegance of the impala in flight.  
Kwara concession, Botswana
(Playing around learning Silver Efex in Nik software I came up with this. Thoughts?) 

For #AfricanTuesday   Monochrome Africa  curated by +Morkel Erasmus, +Dick Whitlock and +Grobler du Preez 
#WholeWildlifeWeek
#WildlifeWednesday  

2013-04-08 17:04:56 (26 comments, 26 reshares, 104 +1s)

Family is one of nature's masterpieces, no matter the species.

Taken a few years ago in the Virungas National Park, Rwanda, this is one of the most tender and loving moments I've witnessed in the animal kingdom.

For #MonkeyMonday  curated by +Alex Lapidus and myself.
#NatureMonday  +Rolf Hicker 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildlifeWednesday  
 
 
 

2013-04-05 17:42:28 (17 comments, 4 reshares, 61 +1s)

Where Mom goes, they will follow. Well... most of the time!
Ndutu, Serengeti, Tanzania

For #FurryFriday  curated by +Ross Campbell 
#Catsallovertheworld  by +Robert SKREINER 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildlifeWednesday  
#NikonShooters  
#Simba  

2013-04-04 13:32:32 (20 comments, 7 reshares, 56 +1s)

African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)
Kwara concession, Botswana

The African wild dog, also called the hunting dog, is a vanishing species in Africa. The wild dog is a highly intelligent and social animal and they live in packs of six to 20. If the pack numbers fall below six, hunting efficiency is eroded. When prey is targeted, some of the dogs run close to the animal, while others follow behind, taking over when the leader tired. They can run long distances, at speeds up to about 35 miles per hour.

Throughout Africa wild dogs have been shot and poisoned by farmers, hunters and, at one time, by rangers who considered them as bloodthirsty raiders of livestocks and dispersers of wild herds. As the numbers of these wild dogs dwindle, they become more mysterious, elusive and enigmatic, reappearing suddenly in places they have not inhabited for months and then vanishing again a few days... more »

2013-04-04 14:28:45 (1 comments, 1 reshares, 6 +1s)

It seems the news for rhinos just keeps getting worse as they are targeted by poachers in ever increasing numbers. A good friend of mine Sam is trying hard to do something about this however. He is raising money for Save The Rhinos by running the London marathon. The catch? He'll be wearing a full-body rhino suit for the entire race! Madness I say...

If you want to see what the suit is like, Sam made this little promotional video which I think is absolutely brilliant. Please do check it out, I think you'll enjoy it too: Run Rhino Run

Of course if you do feel willing to sponsor Sam he would very much appreciate anything you can give, however small. You can do so here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SamuelBond

If you aren't able to sponsor then sharing this post or the video would help too (yes, Facebook or Twitter also count! On Twitter he's... more »

2013-04-04 16:35:24 (16 comments, 3 reshares, 54 +1s)

A male Jackson's Hartebeest standing guard over its mate and calf.
Chyulu Hills, Kenya
The population of Jackson's Hartebeest throughout Africa is small, at best and declining. 

For #WildlifeWednesday "Antelopes" curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#WildKenya  by +Guy Dekelver 
#AfricanTuesday  

2013-04-02 17:55:01 (6 comments, 6 reshares, 19 +1s)

Hope the G+ staff is aware of this issue and this petition (43,000+ signatures so far). And that +Larry Page is working to rectify the situation. 
If anyone has any info, please comment. Thanks. 

2013-04-02 12:36:40 (15 comments, 9 reshares, 65 +1s)

Little one enjoying a little "down" time. 
Ndutu, Serengeti, Tanzania

For #AfricanTuesday  curated by +Morkel Erasmus +Dick Whitlock and +Grobler du Preez 
WholeWildlifeWeek by +Diego Cattaneo +Dick Whitlock +Anette Mossbacher and myself
#WildlifeWednesday  

2013-03-30 16:39:31 (31 comments, 14 reshares, 103 +1s)

Breakfast by Mom, teaching the next generation of champions.
Masai Mara, Kenya

For #Caturday  curated by +Shantha Marie Fountain , +Cicely Robin Laing +Jules Falk Hunter, +Christophe Friedli & +Lee Daniels
#Catsallovertheworld by +Robert SKREINER 
#Bigcatsandsmallthebest  curated by +Mark HELM 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#WildKenya  by +Guy Dekelver 
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildlifeWednesday
#Simba  

2013-03-29 18:24:29 (9 comments, 1 reshares, 21 +1s)

Yay! An unexpected and pleasant surprise! My "talking" lions photo made it into +Jarek Klimek's top G+ photos for March 27th. Humbled to be included with all these great photos. Congrats to all! 

2013-03-28 21:27:57 (75 comments, 26 reshares, 80 +1s)

WARNING... GRAPHIC PHOTO
I debated whether or not to post this but awareness is everything and this is the unfortunate reality of what is happening to Africa's wildlife... repeatedly, several times a day...every day!

A precious young cow elephant from the Laikipia region of Kenya was found yesterday, having succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during an attempted poaching incident last Saturday evening. Tragically she was heavily pregnant and her unborn calf who was due to be born any day now, also died.
The Laikipia community policing initiative rapid response team & sniffer dogs arrived on the scene to track up the suspects at first light Sunday morning but were unable to pick up any fresh scents. The poachers and their backers remain at large.....while the community is doing their very best to try and keep elephants secure in this part of the world, they need... more »

2013-03-27 13:37:27 (16 comments, 3 reshares, 73 +1s)

"I know you're proud of your first kill, but tail down, son, tail down! It's our breakfast and we're not going to share! Survival of the fittest, remember?!" 
Ndutu, Serengeti, Tanzania

For #WildlifeWednesday curated by +Mike Spinak and +Morkel Erasmus 
#WholeWildlifeWeek by +Diego Cattaneo, +Dick Whitlock +Anette Mossbacher and me. 
#Catsallovertheworld by +Robert SKREINER 
#catsbigandsmallthebest  by +Mark HELM 
#AfricanTuesday  
#Simba  

2013-03-26 14:27:32 (19 comments, 1 reshares, 47 +1s)

The view from my tent on a cloudy afternoon while in the Chyulu Hills, one of favorite places in Kenya. I never tire of looking at that beautiful never-ending vista. To the right is Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tz., easily seen on a clear day where she majestically stands overlooking the plains of the Chyulus and Amboseli. 

For #AfricanTuesday   Vast Vistas curated by +Morkel Erasmus, +Grobler du Preez and +Dick Whitlock 
  #LandscapePhotography +Landscape Photography curated by +Margaret Tompkins  +Carra Riley  +paul t beard  +David Heath Williams  +Bill Wood  , +Jim Warthman  +Ben T 
#landscapearttuesday  curated by +Christina Deubel 
#TreeTuesday  curated by +Shannon S. Myers and +Christina Lawrie 
#SkySunday  
#WildKenya 

2013-03-25 20:23:57 (0 comments, 3 reshares, 15 +1s)

Big announcement: This week only, ThreadStart.org is featuring AWF with a custom shirt design & line of apparel to raise money & awareness for us! Shop to help at http://threadstart.org/awf

#conservation   #poaching   #wildlife  

2013-03-25 12:30:04 (21 comments, 5 reshares, 68 +1s)

A curious trio of oryxes
Kalahari, Botswana

For #MonochromeMonday curated by +Hans Berendsen, +Jerry Johnson, +Steve Barge 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildlifeWednesday  
#Botswana

2013-03-24 16:00:24 (23 comments, 2 reshares, 52 +1s)

Sometimes you can win the battle but still lose the war. 
I came across this injured springbok while in the Kalahari in Botswana. I couldn't believe he was still alive. He had somehow escaped his predator but would probably not survive anyway due to the extent of his injuries or eventually falling prey to another predator. As much as I wanted to change the outcome, I knew I couldn't. It's easy to forget that life in the wild can be cruel and unforgiving... when you're indoors, protected by light and walls.

#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#AfricanTuesday  
#WildlifeWednesday 

2013-03-23 13:05:22 (27 comments, 3 reshares, 66 +1s)

"What kind of species are you?" she asked.
A very timid young lioness that quickly hid behind the bushes after pausing curiously for a few brief seconds. 
Chyulu Hills, Kenya

For #Caturday curated by +Jules Falk Hunter, +Shantha Marie Fountain and +Cicely Robin Laing
#Catsallovertheworld by +Robert SKREINER 
#WholeWildlifeWeek
#WildKenya  by +Guy Dekelver 
#Simba
 

2013-03-22 18:04:35 (19 comments, 4 reshares, 63 +1s)

A LBR (Lilac-breasted roller) ... a.k.a. ABR ( Another bloody roller as it's affectionally called) enjoying a yummy snack. 
Kwara concession, Botswana

#WholeWildlifeweek  
#birdloversworldwide  

2013-02-16 22:07:47 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Great Photographers With < 50,000 Followers

This is a very special circle.  I’ve not shared it before but I have shared the people in it.  I call it the Graduates Circle.  These are the fine people that I shared with you when they had < 25,000 followers but now they have more – they’ve graduated!  These are the people who are top photographers, very interactive, and are the heart and soul of G+.  I ask each of them to identify those people who inspire them, form a circle and share it.

The photographers here are all in my personal circles.  The choices are mine and mine alone.  No one asked, begged, or pleaded to belong.  No bribes were offered oraccepted.  Th... more »

2013-02-16 17:03:34 (26 comments, 2 reshares, 82 +1s)

“Remember that even just watching animals has an impact. Intrusion into their living space can expose them to predation, keep them from feeding or other essential activities, or cause them to leave their young exposed to predation or the elements. No photo or viewing opportunity is worth harassing or stressing wildlife." ~ Mary Taylor Young 

For #Caturday curated by +Christophe Friedli and +Lee Daniels +Shantha Marie Fountain and +Cicely Robin Laing. 
#WholeWildlifeWeek
#WildlifeWednesday  
#AfricanTuesday  
#Catsallovertheworld  

This will be my last photo for a while (I think). I will be moving in the next week so I have to (try to) stop playing and finish packing up the house, tear down the computers and hard drives and pack everything away. I will see you folks again in a few weeks once I get settled and get everything back up and running.Until the... more »

2013-02-08 18:59:04 (19 comments, 4 reshares, 88 +1s)

"Brothers on guard"
Kwara concession, Botswana

#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#PassionforAfrica  
#AfricanTuesday  
#Catsallovertheworld  
#ThreatenedThursday  

2013-02-11 19:41:24 (16 comments, 3 reshares, 84 +1s)

“I never knew of a morning in Africa, when I awoke, that I was not happy.” ~ Ernest Hemingway 

For #TreeTuesday  curated by +Christina Lawrie and +Shannon S. Myers 
For #GrassTuesday curated by +Ray Bilcliff +Marilou Aballe and +Margaret Tompkins 
For #AfricanTuesday  curated by +Morkel Erasmus, +Grobler du Preez and +Dick Whitlock 
#WildKenya by +Guy Dekelver 
#Landscapephotography  by +Margaret Tompkins, +Carra Riley, +paul t beard +David Heath Williams, +Bill Wood +Jim Warthman 
#PassionforAfrica  

2013-02-11 19:40:53 (20 comments, 7 reshares, 90 +1s)

"You talkin' to me?!"
A very curious reticulated giraffe. Shaba Game Reserve, Kenya

For #AfricanTuesday  curated by +Morkel Erasmus, +Dick Whitlock and +Grobler du Preez
#WildlifeWednesday  
#WildKenya by +Guy Dekelver 
#WholeWildlifeWeek  
#PassionForAfrica  
#PortraitTuesday by +Laura Balc
 

2013-02-05 02:05:38 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

It's time to share the RUL again. Recommended user list to check out for steaming up your stream.

Feel free to add and share the circle!
Please don't forget to add +RUL ForGplus
The selection is the result of a secret algorithm.
If you want to stay updated it's good to add this profile.

+RUL ForGplus will over time develop ways to bring the best of Gplus to you.
This means we will also have attention to other initiatives like the SUL and +Euro Maestro's great community work.

Also we plan to put the spotlight on individuals and pages deserving special attention.